November 26, 2012

Are you giving enough to others in your network?

• Post a comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

This past holiday weekend, amid the carnage of the crowded dinner table, most of us celebrated the good things we have in our lives and gave thanks to the important people who make it all worthwhile. In the spirit of the season, I began thinking about not only those who have helped me along the way in my career but also about how much I may have helped others in the last year.

This bout of self-reflection was induced after reading The Young Professional's Guide to the Working World, by Aaron McDaniel, an AT&T executive, entrepreneur and business management expert. In his new book, McDaniel, who runs a career advice blog called YP Edge, lists the many attributes young professionals need to get ahead in business — hard work, patience, flexibility, teamwork, decisiveness, multitasking, integrity, etc. — and backs them up with illuminating, real-world anecdotes.

The chapters that resonated with me, however, were the ones discussing the keys to networking and giving back to the community. Whether you're a young Millennial in your first internship or a seasoned executive seeking a change, here are a few reminders from McDaniel's book about how selfless networking can give you the most control over your career path.

Get to know your co-workers better. Networking is not just about attending social events and handing out business cards to new contacts. One often-neglected arena is the talent pool in our own backyards. "Without a network of supporters at your company, it's hard to move up to jobs with higher impact and responsibility," McDaniel writes. "Often, people just one level above you, at your level or even below your level can help remove obstacles when you are in a jam."

Seek out people you aspire to be like. It may be tempting to seek connections via the most powerful or most convenient people in an organization. But it may be more beneficial and motivational, McDaniel says, if you get to know people who share your common interests or who have achieved positions you also would like to attain. "Find out how to help them," he writes. "Look for ways to learn from them."

Offer your time to others. There is often little time to spare these days for non-work projects, but teaching a new skill to someone in your network, coaching an intern or volunteering to take part in a workshop can pay unexpected dividends. On several occasions I have reluctantly agreed to be part of panel discussions at journalism symposia only to discover vital new contacts that led to future business.

Never expect anything directly in return. No matter how selfish your own search ultimately may be for a new job or a career change, remember that networking is based on what you can offer to others, not the other way around. Give what you can and let the reciprocation take care of itself. "Letting other people talk about themselves in a networking setting will get them to like you more," McDaniel advises. "Learning about them will also help you figure out ways you can help them."

And what was I to conclude about my own personal networking ledger? Like usual, I probably have received more help than I've given out — a debt that I intend to settle between now and the next Thanksgiving.

Randy Woods writes about job-search tools, networking techniques and other tips to help you land your dream job.

• Post a comment |
• E-mail |
• Print
• • Share:
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  

Read more
book review, co-workers, connections, millennials, networking, volunteering